Description
Do you have questions about the behaviors of sharks that might be encountered at our beaches? Want to help St. Joseph's students participate in the science research that helps us understand how local sharks use coastal waters as habitat for survival? This Giving Day project hopes to raise funds to purchase 1 or more PSATs (Pop-off Satellite Archival Tags) and materials used to research our local shark species. Each tag purchased will be deployed on a shark by a St. Joseph's student alongside researchers from the SOFO Shark Research and Education Program in Bridgehampton. The tag spends 28 days attached to the shark, collecting depth and water temperature data, then breaks free from the animal, floats to the surface, and begins transmitting information to a satellite. During each tagging expedition, a St. Joseph's student will experience shark fishing and learn best practice in the safe handling of animals to minimize negative impact of the research. They will interact with a variety of our local species - specifically, taking anatomical measurements, collecting biological samples for molecular (genetics) research, and deploying the tag on a shark. Back in the lab, measurements and samples from the experience will create the potential for student internships in the Fall semester, where participants may perform tag data analysis, genetic barcoding and manipulation, as well as study shark anatomy.
Personal Message
Thank you for supporting the Department of Biology!
Why are donations necessary?
Each $2,000 raised purchases 1 tag and related supplies to complete an expedition. Additional tags allow more students to benefit from the field experience on the high seas and a more robust sample library and data set for internship opportunities. To learn more about giving opportunities, please contact Flavio Bollag at fbollag@sjny.edu